United States International Duo Piano Competition FAQs
What is the required repertoire for the competition?
There are no requirements for repertoire. It is the performers' choice. However, it must be a duo arranged for two pianos/four hands or a quartet arranged for two pianos/eight hands.
When is the last day to submit my recording?
December 15, 2025
What is the time limit for my recording?
Professional Level XII : 15 minutes
Level XI Amateur (Ages 19- Adult): 12 minutes
Levels V-VII, VIIIb & X (Ages 13-18 & Quartets): 10 minutes
Levels I-IV, VIIIa (Ages 12 & under, Sibling Under 14, Parent/Child): 8 minutes
Do I need to play my piece memorized (including professionals)?
Music does NOT have to be memorized for performances.
Does the USIDPC provide page turners?
We do not.
What is the stage protocol?
You and you partner must be seated before the concert in the designated chairs to the left of the stage. When it is your turn, you will walk up the stairs onto the stage from this left side with your partner to center stage, then bow to the audience. You then enter the piano bench from the left side, place your music on the stand, adjust your bench and play your piece. When finished you will gather your music and will bow together once again to your audience, then exit left off the stage and take a seat where the performers will be sitting together for the remainder of the concert.
Can I leave after I play my piece?
We expect all performers and members of the audience to stay for the entire concert as a show of respect for all of the performers in that concert.
Is the duo level determined by the older or younger player’s age group?
The level is determined by the oldest member of the duo team.
Is the application fee $160 per person or per duo?
$160 per amateur duo.
What is the application fee for a quartet?
$160 per quartet.
What is the professional duo fee?
$300 per professional duo.
Who qualifies for the “professional” level?
Professionals are advanced college music students and those making their living by teaching, performing or competing.
Will we have time to practice before our performance?
You must arrive concert-ready at the competition.
Each duo/quartet will have a monitored, 10-minute practice time scheduled for them on the day of their concert - Saturday or Sunday - in one of the practice rooms at the Broadmoor. You will be notified of these times closer to the date of the competition. Please note: we cannot guarantee one performer will not perform or practice at the same time as another. For example, one sibling may be in a concert while another is in a practice room. Practicing in the practice rooms outside of your scheduled 10-minute slot is not allowed.
What happens if one partner becomes injured or ill and cannot perform at the competition?
In this case, another student or teacher may have the possibility to step in as a replacement. This will need to be discussed with the USIDPC representatives.
When should I reserve the Broadmoor Hotel?
You may make reservations at any time. However, as there are a limited number of rooms reserved for the USIDPC, the sooner you make your reservation, the better.
What is “concert attire”?
Concert attire is formal attire. Men and boys may wear tuxes, suits or sport coats with dress pants. Ladies and girls are in formal dresses or attire.
How are the winners’ concerts organized over the weekend?
We call them them the “winners’ concerts” because each duo will have won a spot in the final competition weekend. The concerts are of mixed levels and organized so that all levels may be heard, apart from the Siblings concert and the Quartets concert.
Can I attend the professional-level concert on Friday evening?
Yes, all concerts over the weekend are open to everyone.
How much are tickets to the USIDPC concerts over the weekend?
Students and teachers enter for free, all other family members and guests must purchase tickets.
General Admission: $15 per day
Senior Admission: $5 per day
Weekend Pass: $45 per family or $25 per individual
When is the Awards Ceremony?
The Awards Ceremony is Sunday at 4:00 p.m., and usually lasts until approximately 5:30pm. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place for each category will be announced at this time. Medals and trophies will NOT be mailed out, so attendance is encouraged.